I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee sport and was told the cylinder head is cracked. As far as I know there isn't any coolant in the oil. What kind of success have people had when they've changed the cylinder head and there hasn't been any evidence of coolant in the oil? Also, what about having the cracked head repaired by a machine shop? Has anyone had any luck with this? Thank you.

 

2000 and 2001 Cherokees with the 0331 cylinder head are known to have a casting defect that will cause a crack if overheated.

 

are you sure its cracked has it been pressure tested? if it is id just get a whole motor from a junk yard off of a jeep that has been wrecked. you can sell off all the parts you dont need.

every time i have done that i come close to breaking even after sell off everything i dont need or want

 

First of all, be darn sure of your diagnosis.

Secondly, if caught EARLY enough, many have replaced the head and head gasket, performed a few oil changes, and are lucky enough to get by. If NOT caught early enough, the engine bearings will deteriorate very, very quickly.

Thirdly, NEVER repair an 0331 head. The repairs don't hold. Period. Once an 00-01 0331 head comes off, it should never go back on.

Your options include an 0331 that is 2003 or newer from a Wrangler/Grand, (These are mfg by the Brazilian foundry TUPY and are okay) or buy a redesigned head from a vendor like Clearwater Cylinder Head or Alabama Cylinder Head, which sell them for around $500 if memory serves me.